Scored using Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0
Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 901 independent expert reviews and 1,046 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Coffee Machines Methodology v2.0

Sage SES878BTR the Barista Pro Review | 73 Data compared

Avg. price:~£590Type:Fully Automatic Espresso MachineWater Container Capacity:2.000 LPump Pressure:?Built-in Coffee Grinder:yesAutomatic Milk Frother:no

Sage SES878BTR the Barista Pro Review: Compare 73 technical specifications and 16 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Coffee Machines category and whether it is worth buying.

7.0

Overall score

Score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the coffee machine's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best coffee machines on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

95%

6.9

Technical score

5%

8.5

Review score ( 4 · 12)

Review score 5% · 8.5 · based on 16 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
â–²Better than 67% of coffee-machines
6.9

Technical score

Technical score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance across brewing and drink preparation, coffee formats, maintenance and convenience, and design and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare coffee machines based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

35%

7.1

Performance

25%

6.2

Coffee Preparation

25%

7.8

Features

15%

6.1

Design

â–²Better than 66% of coffee-machines
8.5

Review score

Review score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (16)
4 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 1
✓ explicit
1
Video reviews 7
estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 84% of coffee-machines
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Best rankings

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Technical Specifications of coffee machine Sage SES878BTR the Barista Pro

Technical score
Technical score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance across brewing and drink preparation, coffee formats, maintenance and convenience, and design and dimensions.
When it matters
When you want to compare coffee machines based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

35%

7.1

Performance

25%

6.2

Coffee Preparation

25%

7.8

Features

15%

6.1

Design

6.9
Review score
Review score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (16)
4 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 1
✓ explicit
1
Video reviews 7
estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.5
Popularity
Popularity
9.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the coffee machine.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Sage SES878BTR the Barista Pro has a popularity of 9.7 points, which is higher than 87% of coffee machines.
9.7
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the coffee machine's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a coffee machine with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

7.0

Overall score

40%

7.2

Price

7.1
Power
?
Water Container Capacity
2 L
Water Container Capacity
2 L
This coffee machine holds up to 2 L in its water tank, which is larger than 85.4% of coffee machines and equal to that of 4.9% of coffee machines.
A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
Pump Pressure
?
Heating Time
180 s
Heating Time
180 s
This coffee machine is ready to brew in 180 s, which is slower than 96.9% of coffee machines and equal to that of 2.4% of coffee machines.
A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
Heating System
ThermoJet
Show more
What reviewers say
Type
Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
Works with Powdered Coffee
yes
This coffee machine accepts ground coffee. 40.3% of coffee machines accept ground coffee.
Compatibility with powdered coffee allows use of pre-ground coffee.
Works with Beans
yes
Works with Beans
yes
This coffee machine accepts whole coffee beans. 62.1% of coffee machines accept whole coffee beans.
Bean compatibility indicates whether the machine can brew from whole coffee beans.
Works with ESE Pods
no
Works with ESE Pods
no
This coffee machine does not accept ESE pods. 24.3% of coffee machines accept ESE pods.
ESE pod compatibility allows use of standard Easy Serving Espresso pods.
Works with Capsules
no
Works with Capsules
no
This coffee machine does not accept coffee capsules. 28.6% of coffee machines accept coffee capsules.
Capsule compatibility indicates whether the machine accepts coffee capsules.
Show more
What reviewers say
Water Level Indicator
no
Water Level Indicator
no
This coffee machine does not have a water level indicator. 60.4% of coffee machines have a water level indicator.
A water level indicator makes it easier to monitor the remaining reservoir water.
Water Filter
yes
Water Filter
yes
This coffee machine has a water filter. 64.3% of coffee machines have a water filter.
A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
Descaling Program
yes
Descaling Program
yes
This coffee machine has a descaling programme. 33.5% of coffee machines have a descaling programme.
A descaling program simplifies maintenance by guiding the machine through limescale removal.
Cleaning Alert
yes
Cleaning Alert
yes
This coffee machine alerts you when cleaning is needed. 40.3% of coffee machines offer cleaning alerts.
A cleaning alert reminds you when routine machine cleaning is due.
Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
no
Automatic Milk Circuit Cleaning
no
This coffee machine does not clean its milk circuit automatically. 21.7% of coffee machines offer automatic milk circuit cleaning.
Automatic milk-circuit cleaning simplifies hygiene after preparing milk drinks.
Show more
Built-in Installation
no
Color
black
Vintage Look
no
Vintage Look
no
This coffee machine does not have vintage styling. 12.6% of coffee machines have this look.
A vintage look describes a deliberately retro or classic machine design rather than a modern aesthetic.
Housing Material
Stainless Steel
Drip Tray Material
Stainless Steel
Show more
What reviewers say

Sage SES878BTR the Barista Pro vs the average coffee machine

246810TotalPerformanceCoffee PreparationFeaturesDesign
  • 22 more grind settings
    Number of Grinding Settings
    30
    This coffee machine provides finer control over grind size than the average coffee machine (30 vs 8).
    More grind settings allow finer adjustment of the coffee grind.
    30 vs 8
  • Has a built-in coffee grinder
    Built-in Coffee Grinder
    yes
    This coffee machine has a built-in coffee grinder, while the average coffee machine does not. 38% of coffee machines have one.
    An integrated grinder can grind beans immediately before brewing.
  • Accepts whole coffee beans
    Works with Beans
    yes
    This coffee machine accepts whole coffee beans, while the average coffee machine does not. 38% of coffee machines accept whole coffee beans.
    Bean compatibility indicates whether the machine can brew from whole coffee beans.
  • Has a water filter
    Water Filter
    yes
    This coffee machine has a water filter, while the average coffee machine does not. 35.8% of coffee machines have a water filter.
    A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
  • 0.6 L larger water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    2.000 L
    This coffee machine has a larger water reservoir than the average coffee machine (2 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    2.000 L vs 1.400 L
  • Has a display
    Display
    yes
    This coffee machine has a display, while the average coffee machine does not. 32.9% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A display provides visual machine status or settings information.
  • Adjustable coffee temperature
    Adjustable Coffee Temperature
    yes
    This coffee machine lets you adjust the coffee temperature, while the average coffee machine does not. 42.9% of coffee machines offer coffee temperature adjustment.
    Adjustable coffee temperature lets you tailor the heat of the brewed coffee.
  • Has PID temperature control
    PID Controller
    yes
    This coffee machine has PID temperature control, while the average coffee machine does not. 6.8% of coffee machines have this feature.
    PID control can improve temperature stability during brewing.
  • 27.1% more popular
    Sage SES878BTR the Barista Pro is more popular than the average coffee machine (9.68 vs 7.6).
    9.68 vs 7.62
  • 22 more grind settings
    Number of Grinding Settings
    30
    This coffee machine provides finer control over grind size than the average coffee machine (30 vs 8).
    More grind settings allow finer adjustment of the coffee grind.
    30 vs 8
  • Has a built-in coffee grinder
    Built-in Coffee Grinder
    yes
    This coffee machine has a built-in coffee grinder, while the average coffee machine does not. 38% of coffee machines have one.
    An integrated grinder can grind beans immediately before brewing.
  • 0.6 L larger water tank
    Water Container Capacity
    2.000 L
    This coffee machine has a larger water reservoir than the average coffee machine (2 L vs 1.4 L).
    A larger water tank reduces how often it needs to be refilled.
    2.000 L vs 1.400 L
  • Has PID temperature control
    PID Controller
    yes
    This coffee machine has PID temperature control, while the average coffee machine does not. 6.8% of coffee machines have this feature.
    PID control can improve temperature stability during brewing.
  • Accepts whole coffee beans
    Works with Beans
    yes
    This coffee machine accepts whole coffee beans, while the average coffee machine does not. 38% of coffee machines accept whole coffee beans.
    Bean compatibility indicates whether the machine can brew from whole coffee beans.
  • Adjustable coffee temperature
    Adjustable Coffee Temperature
    yes
    This coffee machine lets you adjust the coffee temperature, while the average coffee machine does not. 42.9% of coffee machines offer coffee temperature adjustment.
    Adjustable coffee temperature lets you tailor the heat of the brewed coffee.
  • Has a portafilter
    Portafilter
    yes
    This coffee machine has a portafilter, while the average coffee machine does not. 36.8% of coffee machines have a portafilter.
    A portafilter supports brewing through a filter basket with ground coffee or compatible pods.
  • Has a steam wand
    Steam Wand
    yes
    This coffee machine has a steam wand, while the average coffee machine does not. 48.4% of coffee machines have a steam wand.
    A steam wand allows manual milk steaming and foam-texture control.
  • Has a water filter
    Water Filter
    yes
    This coffee machine has a water filter, while the average coffee machine does not. 35.8% of coffee machines have a water filter.
    A water filter can improve water quality and reduce the need for frequent descaling.
  • Has a tray full indicator
    Drip Tray Full Indicator
    yes
    This coffee machine has a drip tray full indicator, while the average coffee machine does not. 43.9% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A full drip-tray indicator signals when the tray needs emptying.
  • Has a cup warmer
    Cup Warmer
    yes
    This coffee machine has a cup warmer, while the average coffee machine does not. 41.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A cup warmer helps preheat cups before brewing.
  • Has a display
    Display
    yes
    This coffee machine has a display, while the average coffee machine does not. 32.9% of coffee machines have this feature.
    A display provides visual machine status or settings information.
  • 3 mm wider portafilter
    Portafilter Size
    54.00 mm
    This coffee machine features a wider, commercial-standard portafilter than the average coffee machine (54 mm vs 51 mm).
    A larger portafilter diameter is associated with a wider filter basket, but compatibility depends on the machine group head.
    54.00 mm vs 51 mm
  • 1 fewer boilers
    Number of Boilers
    0
    This coffee machine has fewer independent heating circuits than the average coffee machine (0 vs 1).
    Multiple boilers can support brewing and steaming with less interruption.
    0 vs 1
  • No water level indicator
    Water Level Indicator
    no
    This coffee machine does not have a water level indicator, while the average coffee machine does. 60.3% of coffee machines have a water level indicator.
    A water level indicator makes it easier to monitor the remaining reservoir water.
  • 140 s sec slower heat-up
    Heating Time
    180.000 s
    This coffee machine takes longer to heat up than the average coffee machine (180 s vs 40 s).
    A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
    180.000 s vs 40 s
  • Fixed cup clearance
    Adjustable Cup Clearance
    no
    This coffee machine does not have adjustable cup clearance, while the average coffee machine does. 67.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    Adjustable cup clearance allows the dispensing area or support to accommodate different cup heights.
  • 30 cm lower cup clearance
    Maximum Cup Height
    102.00 cm
    This coffee machine accepts shorter cups than the average coffee machine (102 cm vs 132 cm).
    A greater maximum cup height accommodates taller cups and mugs.
    102.00 cm vs 132.00 cm
  • 15 min longer before shut-off
    Time Before Auto Switch-Off
    30 min
    This coffee machine stays powered on longer before turning off than the average coffee machine (30 min vs 15 min).
    The switch-off timer controls how long the machine remains active before shutting down.
    30 min vs 15 min
  • 10 g smaller bean hopper
    Bean Container Capacity
    250.000 g
    This coffee machine holds fewer coffee beans in its hopper than the average coffee machine (250 g vs 260 g).
    A larger bean container means less frequent refilling when making several coffees.
    250.000 g vs 260.000 g
  • 130 mm wider body
    Width
    354.00 mm
    This coffee machine takes up more counter width than the average coffee machine (354 mm vs 224 mm).
    Width affects how much counter space the machine needs.
    354.00 mm vs 224.00 mm
  • 3.69x more expensive
    Sage SES878BTR the Barista Pro is more expensive than the average coffee machine (£590 vs £160).
    £590 vs £160
  • 2.4% worse value for money
    Sage SES878BTR the Barista Pro has worse value for money than the average coffee machine (7.05 vs 7.2).
    7.05 vs 7.22
  • 1 fewer boilers
    Number of Boilers
    0
    This coffee machine has fewer independent heating circuits than the average coffee machine (0 vs 1).
    Multiple boilers can support brewing and steaming with less interruption.
    0 vs 1
  • 140 s sec slower heat-up
    Heating Time
    180.000 s
    This coffee machine takes longer to heat up than the average coffee machine (180 s vs 40 s).
    A shorter heating time means the machine is ready to use sooner.
    180.000 s vs 40 s
  • 10 g smaller bean hopper
    Bean Container Capacity
    250.000 g
    This coffee machine holds fewer coffee beans in its hopper than the average coffee machine (250 g vs 260 g).
    A larger bean container means less frequent refilling when making several coffees.
    250.000 g vs 260.000 g
  • No water level indicator
    Water Level Indicator
    no
    This coffee machine does not have a water level indicator, while the average coffee machine does. 60.3% of coffee machines have a water level indicator.
    A water level indicator makes it easier to monitor the remaining reservoir water.
  • 15 min longer before shut-off
    Time Before Auto Switch-Off
    30 min
    This coffee machine stays powered on longer before turning off than the average coffee machine (30 min vs 15 min).
    The switch-off timer controls how long the machine remains active before shutting down.
    30 min vs 15 min
  • Fixed cup clearance
    Adjustable Cup Clearance
    no
    This coffee machine does not have adjustable cup clearance, while the average coffee machine does. 67.3% of coffee machines have this feature.
    Adjustable cup clearance allows the dispensing area or support to accommodate different cup heights.
  • 30 cm lower cup clearance
    Maximum Cup Height
    102.00 cm
    This coffee machine accepts shorter cups than the average coffee machine (102 cm vs 132 cm).
    A greater maximum cup height accommodates taller cups and mugs.
    102.00 cm vs 132.00 cm
  • 130 mm wider body
    Width
    354.00 mm
    This coffee machine takes up more counter width than the average coffee machine (354 mm vs 224 mm).
    Width affects how much counter space the machine needs.
    354.00 mm vs 224.00 mm
  • 81 mm taller body
    Height
    406.00 mm
    This coffee machine stands taller and requires more overhead clearance than the average coffee machine (406 mm vs 325 mm).
    Height affects overhead clearance and cabinet placement.
    406.00 mm vs 325.00 mm
  • 2.02x heavier body
    Weight
    9.080 kg
    This coffee machine is heavier and less portable than the average coffee machine (9.1 kg vs 4.5 kg).
    Lower weight can make the machine easier to move, while higher weight may indicate a more substantial build.
    9.080 kg vs 4.500 kg
  • 80 mm deeper profile
    Depth
    410.00 mm
    This coffee machine requires more counter depth than the average coffee machine (410 mm vs 330 mm).
    Depth affects front-to-back counter space and placement clearance.
    410.00 mm vs 330.00 mm
  • 2.66x bulkier volume
    Volume
    58,926.8 cm³
    This coffee machine takes up more overall space than the average coffee machine (58926.8 cm³ vs 22143 cm³).
    58,926.8 cm³ vs 22,143 cm³

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
MahrukhMallik
≈ estimated
10/04/2025
Long-term review · 8 months of daily use
Verdict
Sage SES878BTR the Barista Pro is a good first espresso machine for the money, but enthusiasts may outgrow it quickly.
9.0
Tom's Coffee Corner
≈ estimated
24/05/2024
Full review · espresso, steaming and comparison with Barista Express
Verdict
Sage SES878BTR the Barista Pro is a good all-round espresso machine, especially for latte art and light roasts, though it lacks a few features.
9.0
Craft Coffee Spot
≈ estimated
24/03/2023
Hands-on review · espresso dial-in and steam wand tests
Verdict
Sage SES878BTR the Barista Pro suits beginners well thanks to its complete workflow, though latte art falls short of pro level.
8.0
Coffee Coach RYDE
≈ estimated
02/12/2021
Hands-on review · features, espresso and longevity
Verdict
Sage SES878BTR the Barista Pro suits beginners on a budget, though it is not the best machine on the market.
Not graded yet
Not graded yet
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Shop video
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What reviewers agree on

Based on 4 · 12

Reviewers praise the clear display, capable grinder and fast heat-up, but find it tricky to master and split on milk steaming.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.8
livingetc.com
✓ explicit
10/04/2026
Hands-on test · Semi-automatic machine
Verdict
The Sage Barista Pro is easy to use, with on-screen grind and extraction settings, but it is wider than most and needs counter space.
9.0
roastmarket.de
≈ estimated
16/11/2022
Hands-on test · Built-in grinder
Verdict
The Sage Barista Pro is an all-in-one espresso machine that heats up in 3 seconds and holds a steady brew temperature, but it has no drink presets.
8.0
kaffee.support
≈ estimated
07/11/2020
Expert test · Espresso machine
Verdict
The Sage Barista Pro is well built and comes with a full accessory set, but it suits people who already know how to make espresso.
8.0
coffeeness.de
≈ estimated
15/10/2023
Expert test · Semi-automatic machine
Verdict
The Sage Barista Pro helps you learn espresso faster with its screen, but it is not a true professional machine and its tamper is poor.

Third-party reviews

What we like about Sage SES878BTR the Barista Pro

  • Extremely fast heat-up time (3 seconds) due to ThermoJet system
  • Intuitive LCD display with clear feedback on shot timing, temperature, and grind settings
  • Integrated conical burr grinder with 30 adjustable settings
  • High-quality espresso extraction with rich cream and consistent pressure
  • Powerful manual steam wand creates cafe-quality microfoam
  • Faster transition time between brewing and steaming compared to older models

What we don't like about Sage SES878BTR the Barista Pro

  • Learning curve for beginners due to manual nature of the machine
  • Integrated grinder can be inconsistent over time and harder to fine-tune than a dedicated grinder
  • Single boiler/heating circuit prevents steaming milk and brewing espresso simultaneously
  • Portafilter can feel cold, requiring dummy shots to preheat
  • Higher price point compared to entry-level machines like the Barista Express

Verdict

The Sage SES878BTR the Barista Pro is a premium 1680W semi-automatic bean-to-cup espresso machine finished in Black Truffle, featuring a 2-litre removable water tank, a 250g bean hopper, and a 15-bar Italian pump delivering 9-bar extraction pressure. Driven by an innovative ThermoJet heating system with a 3-second rapid startup, it integrates a precision conical burr grinder with 30 grind settings, digital PID temperature control (+/-1°C), and an intuitive backlit LCD interface with volumetric shot control and a shot timer. Main pros include its near-instantaneous heat-up time, excellent volumetric shot consistency, and a high-performance 4-hole manual steam wand that textures silky microfoam for latte art. However, major cons include the absence of a dedicated pressure gauge to help beginners monitor extraction, no actively heated cup warmer, and a notable learning curve for dialing in the correct grind profile.

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